'Old Bags' Raise Money For Autism Program

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa families with special needs children may soon have a new resource. Crosstown Learning Center is finalizing a partnership with the University of Oklahoma to serve young children diagnosed with autism.

The announcement came today during Crosstown's annual "old bags" fundraiser in south Tulsa. People from across the community donate new and gently used bags, and on Thursday 400 women competed to take those old bags home.

The event was expected to raise $125,000 and allows Crosstown to expand its reach.

"We have a growing population of children with needs that are not being met and families that are having to figure out how they're going to continue to work and care for their kids," said Debbi Guilfoyle, Crosstown Executive Director.

Guilfoyle says current programs that serve autistic children can have waiting lists that stretch into years. Crosstown hopes to have its program up and running in early 2011.